Government animal welfare reforms: stronger protections for dogs

Today the UK Government has confirmed what it describes as the biggest animal welfare reforms in a generation, with several measures that directly affect dogs and dog owners under the new Animal Welfare Strategy for England. The reforms focus on improving welfare across a dog’s entire life, from breeding and sourcing through to ownership, training, and enforcement.

A key priority is ending puppy smuggling and puppy farming. New laws tighten pet travel rules to prevent underage puppies, heavily pregnant dogs, and animals bred in poor conditions from entering the UK. Further measures are planned to close loopholes, strengthen enforcement, and disrupt criminal networks involved in low-welfare puppy imports.

The strategy also signals major changes to dog breeding practices. Proposals include a new registration system for all dog breeders to improve traceability, higher minimum welfare standards, and bringing previously unregulated activities—such as canine fertility clinics, stud services, and whelping services—into the licensing system. These changes aim to reduce health problems linked to irresponsible breeding and harmful physical traits.

On ownership and public safety, the government has renewed its focus on responsible dog ownership, including tackling dog attacks through better education, training, data sharing, and enforcement. The strategy clearly supports positive, reward-based training and includes plans to consult on a ban on electric shock collars, citing concerns about harm and distress.

Additional measures include improving the dog microchipping system to ensure records are accurate and easy to access, supporting owners to keep pets in rented homes, and recognising the link between pet abuse and domestic abuse, with commitments to better protect dogs in vulnerable households.

Overall, the reforms represent a significant shift toward tougher regulation, clearer standards, and stronger enforcement. The government’s stated aim is that every dog should experience high welfare at every stage of life, supported by science, responsible ownership, and meaningful accountability.

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Click Here to view the ​Animal welfare strategy for England